Moment’s Notice is WRTI’s regular guide to the Philadelphia jazz scene. We’re here to tip you off to the best shows during the week ahead. Sign up now to receive this service in your inbox every Sunday. And if you want to let us know about a show on the horizon, or share any other feedback, drop us a line!
Spotlight: Arturo Sandoval — Thursday, Kennedy Plaza, Atlantic City
Arturo Sandoval was heralded as a show-stopping trumpet virtuoso some 40 years ago, when he burst out of the gate as a member of Cuban fusion group Irakere. He went on to global prominence and even a measure of celebrity, following his defection from Cuba to the United States. Later this year he’ll be among the recipients at the Kennedy Center Honors, adding to a list of accolades that includes a Presidential Medal of Freedom and several Grammy awards.
Sandoval’s most recent release, Rhythm & Soul, features a familiar alloy of Afro-Cuban dance rhythm and modern-jazz bravado. He always has an ace band by his side, and he’ll bring considerable flair to this final concert in the 2024 Chicken Bone Beach Jazz Series in Atlantic City. Opening the show is Cintron, a 15-piece Latin-jazz group formed by percussionist Edgardo Cintron and vocalist Rocco DePersia.
Sept. 5 at 7 p.m., Chicken Bone Beach Jazz Series, Kennedy Plaza Stage, Atlantic City, NJ, free; more information.
WAW Trio — Wednesday, Black Squirrel Club
This successful example of Danish-American exchange has a new album — WAW! — that digs deep into a muscular hard-bop mode. The bookend consonants are last-name initials of pianist Carl Winther and master drummer Jeff “Tain” Watts (pictured); the vowel in the middle belongs to bassist Richard Andersson. Their rapport has a knockabout character that should fit right in at the Black Squirrel Club.
Sept. 4 at 7:30, Black Squirrel Club, 1049 Sarah Street, $22, tickets and information.
Benny Benack III & Kate Kortum — Friday and Saturday, Chris’ Jazz Cafe
Chris’ Jazz Cafe is celebrating its 35th anniversary, and this weekend engagement kicks off a run of special programming. Headlining are two charming vocalists, Benny Benack III and Kate Kortum; behind them is a combo featuring Joe McDonough on trombone, Tim Brey on piano,
Dave Brodie on bass and Wayne Smith, Jr. on drums.
Sept. 6 and 7 at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m., Chris’ Jazz Cafe, 1421 Sansom Street, $30, $105 and $120 on Friday, $35, $105 and $125 on Saturday, with dinner packages; purchase tickets.
Terell Stafford Quintet — Friday and Saturday, South Jazz Kitchen
Terell Stafford’s crisply engaging new album, Between Two Worlds, derives its title from a Victor Lewis tune. But the phrase also holds layers of meaning for him — as a trumpeter whose experience straddles jazz and classical music, as a performer who’s also an educator, as a musician with a rich family life. For this weekend stand, he’ll lead a hard-charging quintet.
Sept. 6 and 7 at 7 and 9:30 p.m., South Jazz Kitchen, 600 North Broad Street, $40; purchase tickets.
April Varner Quartet — Friday, Barnes Foundation
April, the new album by April Varner, takes a clever idea and runs it all the way down the field. More than an eponymous release, it’s a concept album whose every track includes “April” in the title — not just “April in Paris” and “I’ll Remember April” but also Prince’s “Sometimes It Snows in April” and the original “April Blues.” We may still be winding down summer, but Varner, who won the 2023 International Ella Fitzgerald Jazz Vocal Competition, will draw from this spring-like source on a First Friday concert at the Barnes, with her quartet.
Sept. 6 at 6:30 and 7:45 p.m., Barnes Foundation, 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, $35, members and students $10; purchase tickets.
